Macrogols for constipation or bowel cleansing

About macrogols

Macrogols belong to a group of medicines known as osmotic laxatives. They are substances which are used medically to relieve constipation or to clear the bowel before some clinical procedures. They are sometimes called polyethylene glycols. Macrogols are identified by a number which represents their molecular weight so, for example, the macrogol used to relieve constipation is called macrogol '3350'.

Constipation is a common problem which can be caused by a number of things. Not eating enough fibre or not drinking enough fluid can cause constipation. Some conditions (such as pregnancy) can cause constipation, as can a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines. Macrogols relieve constipation by drawing water into your bowel to soften your stools, making them easier to pass.

Bowel cleansing solutions also contain macrogol '3350' although they are not treatments for constipation. They are used to ensure that the bowel is free of solid contents before a bowel examination or surgical procedure.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start the treatment it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• Se sei incinta o stai allattando.

• If you have any bowel problems other than constipation, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon.

• If you have a heart condition.

• Se hai mai avuto una reazione allergica a un medicinale.

• If you use starch-based food-thickeners to help with difficulty swallowing.

• Se stai assumendo altri medicinali. Questo include qualsiasi medicinale che stai assumendo e che è disponibile per l'acquisto senza prescrizione medica, così come i medicinali a base di erbe e complementari.

• If the treatment is intended for a child. This is because laxatives should solo be given to children on the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.

Before starting the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will tell you how to prepare your dose and how long the solution can be kept for after preparation. Once mixed with water, the solution should be kept in the fridge. Do not use any solution remaining after the time recommended in the manufacturer's instructions.

If taking for constipation (brands CosmoCol®, Movicol®, Laxido®, Molaxole®)

• Your doctor will tell you how many sachets to take for each dose. A daily dose can range from 1-2 sachets daily, up to a maximum of 8 sachets daily. Unless the directions say otherwise, stir the contents of each sachet into half a glass of water (100-125 ml) before taking.

If taking for bowel cleansing (brands Klean-Prep®, Moviprep®)

• You will be given written instructions from the clinic that will tell you how many sachets to make up into a solution, and when you should start to drink it. It is important that you follow the directions carefully.

• You will also be given written instructions about what food or drink you can, or cannot, have until after the procedure is completed. Typically, the advice is to not eat any solid food from about two hours before you start drinking the solution. Again, it is important that you carefully follow the directions you are given.

• The treatment can interfere with the absorption of medicines taken at the same time. If you take medication regularly, please ask your doctor about when to take your other medicines.

If taking for constipation

• A healthy diet containing fibre (wholegrain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) with several glasses of water each day and daily exercise are important in maintaining healthy bowel function.

• You can read more about how to prevent or treat constipation in the separate condition leaflets called Costipazione (per adulti) e Costipazione nei Bambini.

If taking for bowel cleansing

• The preparation will start to work after an hour or two, so stay near to a toilet while you are taking the solution.

• If you have any questions about the treatment, contact the hospital department where you are receiving the treatment for further advice.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with macrogol '3350'. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Se si verificano altri sintomi che ritieni possano essere dovuti al medicinale, parla con il tuo medico o farmacista per ulteriori consigli.

• Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.

• Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.